A number of operators suffered damage to vehicles during the period, with some routes cancelled or curtailed to ensure the safety of staff
A general rise in anti-social behaviour around the Halloween and Bonfire Night period has affected bus services in a number of locations in recent weeks. Operators affected included First Bus, which was forced to cancel a number of services after Halloween vandalism which saw drivers and moving buses attacked, whilst Arriva warned that routes in the Wirral could be suspended.
First said that at least two of its buses in Bristol and one in Wales were vandalised at Halloween, with at least two incidents involving large objects being thrown directly at the driver, though no injuries were reported. The firm reported that a handful of services were cancelled following fears more attacks could take place, and a number of buses had had to be taken out of action while repairs were carried out.
First Wales and West’s Commercial Director Rob Pymm said: “It is utterly disgraceful that our drivers and customers have faced this despicable behaviour from a minority of mindless vandals. The images we have seen of our buses from last night speak for themselves; who in their right mind would consider throwing a heavy object at a moving bus, let alone towards the driver, endangering them and everyone on board.
“Sadly, we had no option but to pull some routes last night, and today our passengers continue to be inconvenienced while the buses are off the road being repaired. All we can do is apologise and reassure the public that we will resume a normal service as soon as possible.”
In another incident in Wales, First’s service 6 between Tennant and Swansea was disrupted when a member of the public dressed in a Halloween costume stood in front of a moving bus blocking the route.
Rob added: “We have reported the incidents to the police and we are reviewing our on-board CCTV, and we will do all we can with local communities and the police to help catch those responsible. We’re committed to protecting our drivers and customers, even if that means stopping services for safety reasons.”
In Merseyside, meanwhile, Arriva warned that buses could be disrupted for days after bricks and missiles were thrown on ‘Mischief Night.’
A number of buses came under attack from youths across Liverpool and Wirral on 30 October, the firm reported. The Liverpool Echo reported that at least 16 Arriva and Stagecoach services were diverted or suspended following a number of incidents, which included bricks and missiles being thrown at buses, damage to bus stops and general antisocial behaviour, prompting Arriva to consider suspending services in certain areas due to damage to its vehicles.
A spokesperson from Arriva North West told the newspaper: “Due to incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage to a number of vehicles across Merseyside tonight, some services may be significantly disrupted until 1 November. The safety of our team, passengers & vehicles is paramount and we continue to work with travel-safe partners.”
